Spring is here - car won't start!

[thesmithsUK]

I'm a newbie so go easy…

Bought my 1968 Old English White convertible back in October http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f= ... ll#p537627

Week 1 of ownership: changed air filter, replaced spark plugs, topped up gearbox oil and brake fluid, changed oil filter and replaced engine oil.

Enjoyed a few nice drives after that but have kept it garaged for two months - away from the road salt.

Trickle charger on, so thought I'd take it out today to celebrate the lovely Spring weather…

Turns over, but won't start.

What to check first? As I say, go easy - I'm new to this...

[bmcecosse]

Is the petrol pump ticking ? Is there petrol in the tank ? You have pulled the choke control.....I hope.

[dalebrignall]

if the pump is not ticking try banging it with your hand

[thesmithsUK]

Aha - petrol pump NOT ticking!

Do these pumps just fail like that? One day they're fine; some days later, they're not?

Presumably the solution is simply to replace rather than repair?

[bmcecosse]

They can stick when not used for 2 months........... Sharp rap when switched on - if it starts ticking it will likely be ok (but may be wise to clean the points later). Otherwise - take the cap off and draw a piece of emery through between the points and repeat till it ticks when switched on........

[thesmithsUK]

Many thanks - will give this a go on Thursday and post the outcome...

[thesmithsUK]

Thanks bmcecosse and dalebrignall...

Switched on the ignition tonight, no tick from the fuel pump.

So gave it a few light taps with a pin hammer, hey presto - it ticks.

Jumped in, choke out, started first time!

Roll on Springtime...

[bmcecosse]

You should consider giving the points a clean .... But well done getting it going!

[thesmithsUK]

Darn it.

Just took it for a blast. ALl going fine. Filled up with fuel. And it conked out on the way home.

Gave the pump a tap. Bingo.

300 metres later, same problem.

I can get it started but it now struggles and then conks out.

WIfe's just picked me up and am furiously trying to find a fix online…

Any newbie-friendly guidance out there?

[bmcecosse]

Clean the points!!!!!

[thesmithsUK]

So if I just take the bakelite top cover off, I can see the contact breaker points?

Then a bit of light emery action and replace?

Someone should upload a youtube video of this!

[bmcecosse]

Yes - and I'm pretty sure there will be YouTubes of it .......

[thesmithsUK]

Well that was straightforward enough. Cap off, points lightly emeried.

But no joy.

Ignition on, clicks, starts fine, peters out, stops.

Turn ignition again, no clicks. Hit the pump, clicks, starts, peters out.

I now need to tow it home so I can scratch my head in the warmth of a garage instead of a darkening, drizzly roadside!

Any ideas what to try next?

[bmcecosse]

Hmmm - try try again.. Are you sure it's a pump problem - test it pumping into a jam jar. If it's still not working then you'll need to reset the points as per workshop manual.

[mike.perry]

Pumps wear out eventually and the hammer treatment only works for so long. Take it as a warning that it is time to fit a new pump and chuck the old one in the spares box.

[thesmithsUK]

I'm going to replace the pump.

It's an AUA66. This looks like a decent source: http://sucarb.co.uk/su-fuel-pumps-spare ... -8961.html

But other owners may have alternative recommendations?

[thesmithsUK]

Does anyone have a view on the merits of an electronic / solid state alternative?

Just spoken to a local MG Restoration specialist who swears by them...

[bmcecosse]

Others report failure after a short time. I would stick with points.

[thesmithsUK]

The saga continues...

Fitted a brand new SU (AUA66) fuel pump at the weekend. Removed the old in-line filter and fitted a new braided pipe from the new pump to the carb. All good.

Turned on the ignition, new pump clicking merrily away. The engine started then immediately petered out. No more clicking on the second, third, fourth attempts (figured it didn't need to as there was enough fuel in the line?) but whenever it fired up, it immediately petered out.

FInally got the engine idling (occasionally almost petering out with the red ignition light coming and going) but as soon as I tried to engage a gear and move off, she stalls!

A couple more tries, the same thing happens - felt too unstable to take out on the road.

Any ideas? Surely the new pump hasn't immediately failed?! But what else could it be?

[bmcecosse]

Did you use the choke ? Sounds like you need to lift the idle speed slightly too.